How to Identify Grape Leaves

Examine the color of the leaf and vine. A light yellowish-green leaf would indicate the grapevine Riesling. This vine has a golden tone, just like the berries it produces. A bright yellow vine and dark purplish-green leaf is distinctive and specific to the merlot vine. Some leaves, such as those of the pinot noir vine, will appear to have a purple or red tone to the deep green foliage.

Compare the size of the leaves on the vine with the mature berry clusters. A large, bright green leaf will overshadow the cluster of chardonnay grapes on the vine. Likewise with the pinot noir vine, each individual leaf is the size of one bunch of grapes. In contrast, the rich green leaves of the Lemberger grape vine are smaller than the bunch of berries. These leaves are half or a third the size of the cluster of mature Lemberger grapes.

Evaluate the shape and design of the grape leaves. Muskateller grape leaves have three large sections and serrated edges. A rounded design and tiny points around the rim quickly indicate the Riesling grapevine. Trollinger vines have leaves shaped like spades. The leaf is narrow at the stem, widening in the center as it grows into a point near the tip.